12 May 2011 - Naqoura, Lebanon - The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) delivered 106 vehicles and related spare parts to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) at a ceremony today at UNIFIL's Headquarters in Naqoura.

The delivery of the UN-owned vehicles, the third batch in little over a year, is part of UNIFIL's efforts to support the LAF in line with UN Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and to buttress the operational capabilities of its strategic partner in southern Lebanon.

UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas said: "Today's transfer, which follows the donation of 24 vehicles in April and 39 vehicles in August last year, is a reflection of UNIFIL's continued commitment to enhance the operational capability of the Lebanese Armed Forces to ensure security in the south, as per UN Security Council resolution 1701."

Brigadier-General Georges Zakhem, representing LAF Commander General Jean Kahwaji, and Brigadier-General Sadek Tlais, LAF Commander in south Litani area, represented the LAF at the handover ceremony.

Although used, the vehicles delivered today are in good running condition. They included 4x4 vehicles and trucks.
UNIFIL Director of Mission Support, Girish Sinha, said UNIFIL looks forward to the continued collaboration and strengthening of the relationship between the LAF and UNIFIL.